BRIDPORT Museum supporters are kicking up a stink against dog owners.

The entrance to the museum in South Street has become a hotspot for dogs to relieve themselves with urine starting to soak into the old stone wall. As a result it has led to the discolouration of the stone as well as leaving an unpleasant odour.

One volunteer described the entrance as “looking like a doss-house or derelict slum.”

Dog owners are being urged to respect the site - an early 16th century building known as the 'old castle' - and direct their four-legged friends elsewhere.

The museum, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, is hoping to raise awareness of the issue ahead of what is expected to be a fruitful summer for Bridport tourism and hospitality.

Peter Manning, a volunteer ‘ropemaker’ at the attraction, said the museum was exploring a number of solutions.

He said: “We’re hoping a lot of it can be solved just by making people aware of the problem. We’re planning to have signage up near the museum entrance and, really, just trying to spread the word to make sure that dog owners can police the issue themselves and try to prevent their dogs from weeing on the wall in the first place.”

Mr Manning said he was concerned the ongoing issue might be off-putting to tourists but was hopeful that the exhibitions offered would speak for themselves going into the summer.

He added: “Well we’re all really looking forward to the summer, we’ve had a few school groups coming in and getting involved with the rope demonstrations. We’re looking forward to taking the demonstrations outside in the summer because we always got lots of interaction from the public and tourists and it’s a great way of reminding people what the museum has to offer.”

*Bridport Museum is celebrating its 90th birthday on Saturday, May 28 with free entry all day, fun family activities and a fundraising raffle.

Admission is free, but anyone who buys their annual pass (£5 for over 21s) will get a free raffle ticket.

The raffle includes some great prizes such as a hamper from Balson’s butchers, and night's glamping in a bell tent.

There is also the chance to drop in and find out more about volunteering opportunities.

The event runs from 10am-4pm.